Nvidia Video Drivers Note: There seems to be a bug where as a standard user you cannot use System, Administration, Hardware drivers to install your video drivers and it doesn't prompt for elevated credentials

After the reboot, you can then access System, Administration, Nvidia X Server Settings and modify your configuration

Turning on basic eyecandy This is most likely already on, check from System, Preferences, Appearance, Visual Effects The setting should be on normal...you can advance it to Advanced if you want more eyecandy like wobbly windows

now we need to make Emerald start once you boot into Ubuntu. To do so, go to System > Preferences > CompizConfig Settings Managercheck "Window Decoration" and click it, then in the "Command" field enter this:emerald --replace

Go here: http://compiz-themes.org/index.phpGet a theme

Creating an installer disk (ISO) at the end with all of my changessudo remastersys backup filename.iso

Ensuring accurate timeSystem, Administration, Time and DateClick shield at bottom to make changesUnder Configuration, change from Manual to "Keep Synchronized with Internet Time Servers"Choose "Install NTP Support" when askedOnce completed, click on "Select Servers"add at the bottom, "pool.ntp.org" click on Add.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Note: I realized that I never published this on this blog site, and I haven't actually written a guide yet for Ubuntu 9.10. Since Ubuntu 10.04 is right around the corner, I will probably just wait for Ubuntu 10.04 to be released and then update this guide to be 100% compatible with the new version.

For the record, 95% of the information below pertains and works correctly with Ubuntu 9.10.

How do I open a terminal window...a shell...a command line?Applications, Accessories, Terminal.

How to update all of my software to the latest and greatest?sudo apt-get updatesudo apt-get upgrade

Adding Multimedia Repository support into UbuntuFirst, Ubuntu does not come with the ability to playback encrypted DVD's, MP3 files or other Windows codec stuff. The reason, is because these are not-open source, royalty free or have other license restrictions. The good news is that you can easily add this support with 1 single command;Note: This also covers video codecs necessary for YouTube videos.

CD-ripping with grip to MP3sudo apt-get install grip lameApplications, Sound and Video, gripNatively, this app will rip to an .ogg file (ogg vorbis). This is a fantastic high-quality open source free format...but if you have a portable device which won't use those files....you can change to MP3 as I show you below.

I like to rip to MP3's on VBR 3 (Variable Bit Rate 3). Here is how I do that;Open grip, Go to Config tab, encode, change to lameChanged encoder command line to read: -V 3 --vbr-new %w %mchanged encode file format to read: ~/ogg/%A/%d/%t-%n.%x

The ripped files will be in a folder in your home folder (/home/username) in a subfolder called Ogg.

Mounting a Windows share on another computersudo apt-get install smbfssudo mkdir /mountpoint (you can call mountpoint whatever you like and put it wherever you want)sudo mount -t cifs //server/share /mntpoint -o username=Windows_user_nameMounting a Windows share on another computer at boot timetouch /home/user_name/.smbpasswordsudo gedit /home/user_name/.smbpassword--add the following 2 lines into this file and saveusername=NT_User_Namepassword = NT_Password

sudo gedit /etc/fstab--add a line similar to the follow (change to suit tastes)//server/share /mntpoint cifs credentials=/home/user_name/.smbpassword 0 0

sudo mkdir /mntpoint (obviously you can call this whatever you want)

test mount with;sudo mount -a

How to make a transparent terminal windowStart terminal (Applications, Accessories, terminal)Edit, profilesEdit default profileClick on Colors to set your color preference (I like green on black)Click on Effects to set a Transparent background

How to change the logon screen to something elseVisit Eyecandy for your GNOME-Desktop - GNOME-Look.orgOn the left, click on GDM themesFind one that you like, download it. It should be in the format of something.tar.gzSystem, Administration, Login Windowclick on Local tab at topChoose add, find the GDM theme that you just downloaded (the something.tar.gz), click on InstallSet the theme to Selected OnlyPick the new GDM theme that you want to use.Log off and back on.

Go here: Application Information - FrostwireDownload 32-bit for Jaunty.Choose save file and it will save to your desktopOnce it completes, double click on the .deb file on your desktop. It will open the package installer, click on Install Package in upper right

To launch it, Applications, Internet, Frostwire

Note: if you experience problems with the interface or the app not starting, be sure to follow the previous steps for installing Sun Java.

How to perform fast backups with rsyncThis assumes that you save everything that you want to keep in your home folder (/home/username), and you have an external hard drive or USB keyfob that you can back up to

The beauty of using rsync is that subsequent runs will ONLY copy files that have changed....thus backups will only take a few seconds. Also, if you want to make sure that files that you delete on the source hard drive are also deleted on the external hard drive, you can change the syntax torsync -rv --delete /home/username/ /media/disk/backups/ (there are 2 dashes before delete)

Everything beyond this point is geared around Eye Candy and is completely optional

Enabling proprietary video drives for ATI/Nvidia cardsMy Linux machines all have NVIDIA based graphics cards in them, so I describe that procedure here. The installation for ATI cards should be similar.

System, Administration, Hardware driversI choose NVIDIA accelerated graphics driver (version 180) and choose activate.The system will automatically download and install the driver.Note: it will sit at 0% for a bit, just be patient...it will install

Getting basic eyecandy features enabled.Make sure that you have installed the proprietary video drivers as described above for the best possible experience.

System, Preferences, Appearance, Visual EffectsYou should be able to turn on Normal at this point, to get the basics.

Installing the Compiz Configuration Manager to Control the built-in eye-candy features.Again, ensure that you install the proprietary video drives for the best possible experience.

now we need to make Emerald start once you boot into Ubuntu. To do so, go to System > Preferences > CompizConfig Settings Manager check "Window Decoration" and click it, then in the "Command" field enter this: emerald --replace

System > Preferences > AWN Manager, on the "General" tab and set it the way you want it to be check auto start on logon under Bar Appearance, change to 3D Add any applets that you might want displayed

To start it now, either hit ALT-F2 and type in avant-window-navigator or log off and back on.

Making applications rollup, when you click on the title bar versus Maximize/Minimize System, Preferences, Windows Change titlebar action to "Roll up"

How can I install a screenlets applications (aka Desktop widgets)?sudo apt-get install screenletsApplications, Accessories, ScreenletsPick the Screenlets that you want to run, choose whether you want to auto start them at logon.

Monday, April 13, 2009

So, let's say that you already have a computer and it's got something like Windows XP or Windows Vista already installed. Let's also say that you want to install Ubuntu to try it out, but are a bit nervous about setting up a dual boot.

If this is the case, the Wubi Ubuntu installer is the perfect solution. More or less, it allows you to install Ubuntu onto your Windows computer just like any other application. It will install itself to a folder of your choice, and then you can simply reboot your computer and Ubuntu will have been added to your Windows bootloader. So, you can pick either Ubuntu or Windows. If later you decide that Ubuntu is not for you, you simply go to Add/Remove programs and uninstall Ubuntu. It's that easy.

Here is the FAQ page which provides more details on Wubi. Trust me when I say that Wubi makes installing Ubuntu incredibly easy without risking your existing Windows setup or having to repartition your hard drive.

How about an application dock?sudo apt-get install avant-window-navigatorApplications, Accessories, Avant Window NavigatorMake modifications by right clicking and choosing PreferencesSuggestions:-Icon Effects: 3d Spotlight Turn-Bar Appearance: 3d Look-General: Auto Hide bar when not in use-Drag icons to the left of the bar to add to the Launcher list.-Right click on Panel at bottom and choose remove (can later right click top panel, say new panel and put it back at bottom)

At this point, you should be able to start kiba-dock in the terminal with the following command;kiba-dock &

To auto start this in the future;Go to System, Preferences, Sessions, click on Add under Startup Programs and add the following settings;Name = Kiba-DockCommand = kiba-dock

How do I install Screenlets?System, Administration, Software Sourcesclick on Third-Party Software tabclick on Add;deb http://download.tuxfamily.org/screenlets gutsy screenletsclick on close and then Reload (don't worry if you get a few warnings in the end)

Where else can I get themes for my Ubuntu machine?Go here: http://art.gnome.org/choose Application under Desktop themes on the right. Download something you likeSystem, Preferences, Appearance, Theme tab, click on Install and pick the theme you just downloaded.

As some may know, Ubuntu released a new version of their Linux operating system in Oct of 2008. I've decided to write up a thread detailing some setup steps which might differ from my Ubuntu 8.04 standard setup guide. Please be sure to go over this previous blog post as it explains many of the basics and concepts which are the same in the newest version of Ubuntu.

The system that I use for testing is a self built, AMD Athlon64 X2 4600+, with 4GB of RAM, an Asus M2NPV-VM mobo with onboard sound and network, an Nvidia 7600GT video card with 256MB of RAM which was built in April of 2007.

This guide is specifically written for Ubuntu 8.10 (Intrepid Ibex) using the 32 bit version of the desktop cd which you can download from www.ubuntu.com

Initial Setup NotesAs expected, install was a breeze, took about 10-15 minutes to complete. Sound, network and video working at 1280x1024 to my 18" flat panel monitor

Updating to latest and greatest after installsudo apt-get upgradeNote: Be sure to reboot if instructed, as you may have a new kernel installed

My system found the Nvidia card and gave me the choice of 3 drivers, I choose version 177 which was recommended. Highlight the driver, click on Activate, the system will download and install the driver for you. Once completed, you will need to reboot to activate the driver.

Note: There appear to be some problems with Window title bars getting distorted, disappearing and such with Compiz and the latest versions of the Nvidia driver (173 or 177). I was able to work around by changing the theme to clearlooks for the time being until a new Nvidia driver is available. System, Preferences, Appearances, changed theme to Clearlooks

Adding Multimedia Repository support into UbuntuFirst, Ubuntu does not come with the ability to playback encrypted DVD's, MP3 files or other Windows codec stuff. The reason, is because these are not-open source, royalty free or have other license restrictions. The good news is that you can easily add this support on your own using the medibuntu repository (multimedia, entertainment, distractions in Ubuntu).

MP3 PlaybackAmarok is the player that i like the best, so that's the one I show here. There are many others which could be used.sudo apt-get install amarokApplications, Sound and Video, Amarok

FireFox and other websites look strange, like fonts are wrong!First, make sure that you install the Microsoft Core True Type fonts packagesudo apt-get install msttcorefonts

Then, go into Firefox, Edit Preferences and change the default font to Times New Roman

And finally, if you are on an LCD monitor or laptop, you may have a font smoothing issue causing problems. Go into System, Preferences, Appearance, Fonts and check the option for subpixel smoothing (LCD's)

Since many of you are new to Ubuntu and even Linux in general, I am going to put together a post highlighting some of the key setup features that I do on a Linux box when I first install. This guide is specifically built for Ubuntu 8.04 (Hardy Heron)

Where can I get Ubuntu from, and what do I need?You can download Ubuntu from www.ubuntu.com. You will want to download the Desktop version. For compatibility sake, I would pick the 32-bit version as that is what I use for this guide.

Also, with Ubuntu, the standard install cd is a LIVE CD. Meaning that you can boot from the CD and see Ubuntu as it will run straight from the cd without having to be installed. Gives you an idea of what to expect and how compatible your hardware is right out of the box.

What is the "Alternate CD" for?: It's primary for low-end computers or boxes which have trouble with the standard install cd.

What's with the different versions, Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Xubuntu, etc?Essentially, they are the same OS...but they each have a different desktop environment installed. Ubuntu uses Gnome...and is what I suggest for following this guide as that is what I used. Kubuntu uses KDE which is a competing desktop environment to Gnome. Xubuntu uses XFCE which is a low frills light-weight desktop environment suitable for low-end computers or for those who want the fastest possible performance and are willing to give up a few visual things.

Once you pick one, it's simple to just install the other desktop environment if you want to get a feel for how they look. Once you get through this guide, you will just need to install kubuntu-desktop or xubuntu-desktop.

The command line (aka The Shell, The Terminal)Yes, I do a lot of my installing from here. Reason, you can cut and paste the line that I give you here into the shell and get it right every timeApplications, Accessories, Terminal (I'd suggest, right click and Add Launcher to Desktop)

What is this sudo thing?Sudo is the system that is used to elevate your standard user account to termporarily have admin priviledges. When you first installed Ubuntu, the installer made your first user account a member of the sudo system who is allowed to do this.

To use sudo, you simply preface a command with sudo. For example, sudo apt-get install something (this runs apt-get which is the online installer and it is going to install something...and because you started with sudo, it does it with root level priviledges.

When sudo asks you for your password, it will cache it for a few minutes....therefore future commands typed in the next few moments will not require you to type your password over and over again.

What is root, who is root?This is the equivalent account to Administrator in Windows. root can do anything and everything on the system.

How to update all of my software to the latest and greatest?Terminal, sudo apt-get upgrade

Adding Multimedia Repository support into UbuntuFirst, Ubuntu does not come with the ability to playback encrypted DVD's, MP3 files or other Windows codec stuff. The reason, is because these are not-open source, royalty free or have other license restrictions. The good news is that you can easily add this support on your own using the medibuntu repository (multimedia, entertainment, distractions in Ubuntu).

MP3 PlaybackAmarok is the player that i like the best, so that's the one I show here. There are many others which could be used.sudo apt-get install amarokApplications, Sound and Video, Amarok

Another popular application which is starting to gain momentum is banshee. However, the version included in the Ubuntu repositories is pretty old. To install the latest 1.2 release, do the following;sudo gedit /etc/apt/sources.list

add following line to bottom of file;deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/banshee-team/ubuntu hardy mainsave and exit the editor.

CD-ripping with grip to MP3sudo apt-get install grip lameApplications, Sound and Video, gripNatively, this app will rip to an .ogg file (ogg vorbis). This is a fantastic high-quality open source free format...but if you have a portable device which won't use those files....you can change to MP3 as I show you below.

I like to rip to MP3's on VBR 3 (Variable Bit Rate 3). Here is how I do that;Open grip, Go to Config tab, encode, change to lameChanged encoder command line to read: -V 3 --vbr-new %w %mchanged encode file format to read: ~/ogg/%A/%d/%t-%n.%x

The ripped files will be in a folder in your home folder (/home/username) in a subfolder called Ogg.

Mounting a Windows share on another computer at boot timetouch /home/user_name/.smbpasswordsudo gedit /home/user_name/.smbpassword--add the following 2 lines into this file and saveusername=NT_User_Namepassword = NT_Password

sudo gedit /etc/fstab--add a line similar to the follow (change to suit tastes)//server/share /mntpoint cifs credentials=/home/user_name/.smbpassword 0 0

sudo mkdir /mntpoint (obviously you can call this whatever you want)

test mount with;sudo mount -a

Adding sysvconfig for controlling startup scripts and such (probably not necessary for most people)sudo apt-get install sysvconfigsudo sysvconfigtoggle the services which auto start on boot. If there is something you don't need,shut it off and speed up your boot and your machine.

Backing up a DVD (just like DVD Decrypter and DVD Shrink under Windows)sudo apt-get install k9copyApplications, Sound and Video, k9copyselect the large movie file, expand the options and select only the items that you wantIn the lower right, I suggest removing the check for "Keep original menus"click the DVD button.Choose a location for the ISO fileOnce completed you can burn the .ISO file. Applications, Sound and Video, Brasero Disk Burning

How to make a transparent terminal windowStart terminal (Applications, Accessories, terminal)Edit, profilesEdit default profileClick on Colors to set your color preference (I like green on black)Click on Effects to set a Transparent background

How to change the logon screen to something elseVisit http://www.gnome-look.orgOn the left, click on GDM themesFind one that you like, download it. It should be in the format of something.tar.gzSystem, Administration, Login Windowclick on Local tab at topChoose add, find the GDM theme that you just downloaded (the something.tar.gz), click on InstallSet the theme to Selected OnlyPick the new GDM theme that you want to use.Log off and back on.

Edit: If your download was a .tar.gz...double click on the file and extract the file.so. That's the theme file that you have to point to above.

So, does this thing have a firewall and how do I configure itLike most distros, Ubuntu uses iptables for firewalling. However, unlike many other Linux distros they don't enable it or turn it on by defaultWith Ubuntu 8.04, Ubuntu uses a new front-end tool for configuring IPTables called ufw (Uncomplicated Firewall)...unfortunately, if you are very new to firewalling, you won't find this very uncomplicated.

If you have problems with "starting connection";Terminalcd .frostwirecp gnutella.net gnutella.net.backupgedit gnutella.net;remove everything there and replace with everything from this thread: http://ubuntuforums.org/showpost.php...40&postcount=5

If you still have problems with starting connection";set port forwarding on your router for Port 6346 (both TCP and UDP) to your Linux machine IP address

Add following line to bottom/dev/sda1 /windows ntfs-3g defaults,locale=en_US.UTF-8 0 0NOTE: Obviously, your Windows partition may be something other than /sda1..you will need to know where Windows is installed on your machine and substitute appropriately.

Test your configurationsudo mount -a

Making a full backup of your system which can be re-installed from a cd/dvd using Remastersys

sudo vi /etc/apt/sources.list, add the following to this file:# Remastersysdeb http://www.remastersys.klikit-linux.com/repository remastersys/

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install remastersys

To make a live backup of your system and create personal_install.isosudo remastersys backup personal_install.iso

To make a live distributable cd/dvd of your current installation and name it custom_install.isosudo remastersys dist custom_install.isoNote: You give this to friends and it has all software installed and updates...just not your own personal files.

When you are done making your isos, be sure to clean upsudo remastersys clean

How do I remotely connect to my Ubuntu box from a Windows or other Linux host?The simplest method is with an SSH clientInstall the ssh server on ubuntu with;sudo apt-get install openssh-server

Now, from a Windows host, you can use either Putty, Winscp or any other SSH clientFrom a Linux host, just use the ssh client preinstalled.

Now, logout. From Logon screen, click on Options, Choose Select Session and pick your desktop environment. When you then logon, it will ask if you want to use the new session 1 time or make it permanent.